Beers
Here at Wakefield Liquors we pride ourselves as having the largest selection of microbrews, imported beers and small batch bottle-conditioned beers in the Ocean State. We have two full aisles of beer to choose from and 14 cooler doors for when you need your beer to be ice cold.
Favorites of ours include Dogfish Head, Victory, Rogue, La Chouffe, and Spaten. If you would like to try something new but aren't sure what to get, just ask any of our staff for recommendations. We don't just sell the beer, we drink it too!
Beer Pick for Winter 2008
Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor
The Het Anker brewery can be found mentioned in historical documents dating to 1369, although there is some proof that the brewery predates even that early time. This makes it the oldest brewery inBelgium that is still in operation, and some of the current buildings on the property date to the early 15 th century. The brewery has been owned by the Van Breedam family since 1873, and is the only one left in the region of Mechelen.
The brewery’s flagship ale is called Gouden Carolus, named after the gold coins minted in the time of Emperor Charles V and bearing his likeness. Charles V was raised in the town of Mechelen before going on to become King of Spain, and eventually Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (1519-1558).
The Cuvee Van den Keizer (Grand Cru of the Emperor in English) is a special ale that is brewed in very limited quantities just once per year, on Charles’ birthday, February 24 th , and released in the fall of the same year. It is a strong, dark ale, brewed from heavily roasted malts, candy sugar, and Belgian and Bohemian hops. The Grand Cru of the Emperor is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (55-60 degrees) in a large tulip-shaped glass filled only half full to promote the developing aromas. The Grand Cru of the Emperor pours a beautiful nut brown color with mahogany highlights, and a fine, cappuccino-colored head that dissipates quickly. In the nose, you’ll find rich, roasted malt, with a nice nutty quality backed up by hints of dark fruits – figs and dates come to mind. On the palate, this ale is more intensely fruity but dry, with ripe cherries and exotic spices followed by more dates. It is surprisingly light and lively on the tongue for an ale with such assertive flavors and aromas, and the finish lasts for a very long time.